Bell, Madden and Thomas Earn All-SEC Honors 

May 24, 2005

AUBURN - Auburn's Josh Bell, John Madden and Clete Thomas were all named to All-SEC teams, the league office announced on Tuesday. Bell and Madden were named to the first team while Thomas was named to the second team. Karl Amonite was also recognized for his community service off the field, being named to the SEC Good Works team.

Bell, Auburn's everyday catcher, was named to the first team after putting together one of his finest seasons behind the plate. Starting in all but one game this season, Bell has tallied a career-best .339 batting average while leading the team with a career-high 11 home runs. His 16 doubles and 55 RBI are also career-bests.

"I am really proud of Josh Bell," AU Coach Tom Slater said. "He made a commitment to be our starting catcher this year and as the year went on, he improved tremendously both at the plate and behind it. He did a really nice job of handling our pitching staff all year long."

Madden, who leads the SEC with a 1.64 ERA, has been one of the best in the country this season. Appearing in 41 games, he has posted a 6-2 record while also earning seven saves. In 76.2 IP, Madden surrendered just six extra-base hits while striking out 50.

"John did a great job for us this year as our stopper," Slater said. "He has been tremendous for us all year long out of the bullpen and has been a guy we have been able to rely on all year."

Thomas was rewarded for his season by being voted onto the second team. One of only three players to start every game this season for the Tigers, he hit .327 as AU's everyday right fielder. His 62 runs scored is a career-high, and fourth in the conference, while his nine outfield assists leads AU's outfielders. He also leads the league with five triples and is second on the team with 21 stolen bases.

"Clete has done a great job this year and I am really proud of him," Slater said. "He has come to the park everyday and been a key component to our team all year."

Amonite was one of 12 players recognized for their off-field community service work. A senior from Woodlsee, Ontario, he worked at the Community Food Bank, as well as read to 5th Grade Students as a part of Auburn's reading program. An exercise science major, he also participated in the SAAC Clothing Drive.